Hyatt and Hilton are two of the most renowned hotel chains worldwide. While Hilton has more properties, Hyatt offers a more straightforward reward system. This article delves into the pros and cons of each, helping you decide which hotel chain aligns best with your preferences.
When planning a trip, your accommodation can significantly impact your overall experience. If you are looking for a hotel, you will probably run into two of the most popular hotel chains globally: Hyatt and Hilton. Both offer unique benefits, but which one is better? Let’s have a look below:
Hilton vs. Hyatt
If you look at both hotel chains side by side, you’ll see how they stack up in terms of the number of properties they own and the potential to earn rewards they offer.
| Criteria | Hilton | Hyatt |
|---|---|---|
| Number of properties and pricing | Over 6,800 properties in 122 countries with 18 separate brands. | More than 1,150 properties in 70 countries with 26 separate brands. |
| Ease of earning hotel points | There are multiple ways to earn points, including paid stays and co-branded American Express credit cards. Diamond members receive a 100% bonus on earned points. | Points can be more challenging to earn, but they are more valuable. Top-tier Globalists earn a 30% bonus on stays. Co-branded credit cards earn 9 points per dollar on Hyatt stays. |
| Redeeming award nights | Flexible system without a published award chart. Rates for standard room rewards cap at 150,000 points per night. | Fixed award chart with a maximum of 40,000 points per night for a standard room. |
| Elite status | Multiple ways to earn elite status, including through credit card partnerships. Offers benefits like late check-out, complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and more. | Elite status can be earned through stays or points. Offers benefits like free parking on award nights, waived resort fees, and breakfast for four. |
Number of properties and pricing
Winner: Hilton
Hilton has over 6,800 properties in 122 countries, encompassing 18 distinct brands. This vast network ensures that travelers can find a Hilton hotel almost anywhere they go. On the other hand, Hyatt has a more limited presence, with 1,150 properties across 70 countries. However, they have 26 unique brands offering a diverse range of accommodations.
Ease of earning hotel points
Winner: Hilton
Hilton offers multiple avenues to earn points, including paid stays and their co-branded American Express credit cards. In contrast, while Hyatt points are more valuable, they can be slightly more challenging to accumulate.
Redeeming award nights
Winner: Hyatt
Hyatt’s fixed award chart makes it easier for guests to understand how many points they need for a free night. Hilton, however, has a more flexible system, which can sometimes lead to higher point requirements.
Pro Tip
Elite status
Winner: Hilton (by a slight margin)
Both hotel chains offer enticing benefits for their elite members. Hilton’s edge comes from its more accessible pathways to achieve elite status, especially through credit card partnerships.
What about Hilton credit cards vs. Hyatt credit cards?
Choosing the right credit card is crucial when maximizing your rewards and benefits with a hotel loyalty program. Both Hilton and Hyatt have partnered with major credit card companies to offer co-branded cards that can boost your rewards-earning potential. Here’s a comparison of some of the credit cards available from both companies.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
- Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
- Rewards rate: 7x points at Hilton hotels, 5x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x on other purchases.
- Elite status: Silver status.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Welcome bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first three months.
- Rewards rate: 12x points at Hilton hotels, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on other purchases.
- Elite status: Gold status.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Rewards rate: 14x points at Hilton hotels; 7x points on certain travel and dining purchases; 3x points on other purchases.
- Elite status: Diamond status.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Welcome bonus: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points based on spending criteria.
- Rewards rate: Up to 9x points on Hyatt stays; 2x points on dining, airline tickets, local transit, and gym memberships; 1x points on other purchases.
- Elite status: Discoverist status.
So which one should I choose?
Although Hilton won a few categories, you must decide which is best based on your preferences. We spoke to Kevin MRC, the founder of the popular KevinMRC travel website. “Having experienced both Hyatt and Hilton properties extensively, I can highlight some key distinctions between the two,” he says. “Hyatt offers a range of brands, each catering to specific traveler preferences, from the luxurious Park Hyatt to the more accessible yet upscale Hyatt Regency. On the other hand, Hilton boasts a wider portfolio, encompassing budget-friendly options like Hampton by Hilton and high-end choices like Conrad Hotels & Resorts, providing travelers with a broader spectrum of choices.”
Nathan Clark, the founder of GateA2AI, says that Hyatt is his choice. “Having experienced both Hyatt and Hilton, I’d say Hyatt leans towards upscale and modern with boutique-style properties, while Hilton offers a broader range of brands to suit various budgets and preferences.”
FAQ
What is the difference between Hyatt and Hilton?
Both Hyatt and Hilton are renowned international hotel chains, but they have distinct brand identities, loyalty programs, and hotel portfolios. Hilton owns more properties than Hyatt and has more options for travel rewards credit cards.
Is Hyatt considered high-end?
Yes, Hyatt is considered a high-end hotel chain. The range of Hyatt hotels is vast, from basic accommodations to luxurious Hyatt Regency beach resorts in places like Hawaii. They also partner with Small Luxury Hotels of the World in exotic locales like France or Thailand. The World of Hyatt program categorizes its accommodations from one to eight, with one being the least expensive and eight being the most pricey.
Are Hyatt and Hilton the same brand?
No, Hyatt and Hilton are not the same brand. They are two separate and distinct international hotel chains.
Is Hyatt Hotels part of Marriott or Hilton?
No, Hyatt Hotels is not part of either Marriott or Hilton. It operates as a separate entity with its own brand and loyalty program. Although they are all well-known bands, they are currently separate.
Is Hilton considered luxury?
Not necessarily; however, Hilton does have luxury brands within its portfolio, such as Waldorf Astoria and Conrad. These hotels are much more expensive and only available in select locations.
Key takeaways
- Hilton has a more extensive global presence.
- Hyatt’s reward system is more transparent.
- Earning Hilton points is relatively easier.
- Both chains offer unique benefits for their elite members.
View Article Sources
- Hyatt Points Value – SuperMoney
- How Much Are Reward Miles & Points Worth? – SuperMoney
- Can You Book a Hotel with a Debit Card? – SuperMoney
- When Do Hotels Charge Your Credit Card? – SuperMoney
- Hilton Hotels – Hilton
- Hyatt Hotels – Hyatt
